Coastal Resource Information System
Pacific White-sided Dolphin
METADATA SPECIES EXPLORERLittle information exists on the number and distribution of Pacific White-sided Dolphins in coastal British Columbia. They are typically observed near the heads of coastal canyons, and also seaward to the edge of the continental shelf and beyond. This species occurs in herds of up to several thousand individuals, but is usually found in herds of less than 200 (Leatherwood and Reeves 1986).
The following description of Pacific White-sided Dolphins is from the National Audubon Society Nature Guide: Pacific Coast by Bayard and Evelyn McConnaughy
The Pacific
White-sided Dolphin ranges from Amchitka Island in the Aleutians, through
the Gulf of Alaska to the tip of Baja California. They can be found in
offshore waters, and also on the inside outer edge of the Continental
Shelf. They are often close to shore near the deep marine canyons. They
feed on small schooling fish and squid. Pacific White-sided Dolphins are
one of the most acrobatic and animated species of dolphin in the world.
They are frequently found mixed with Risso’s Dolphins and Northern
Right Whale Dolphins as they both utilise the same food source.